Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

To provide fundamental insight into freshwater ecology and freshwater ecosystems. The student will be introduced to physical, chemical and biological dynamics of natural freshwater ecosystems, and the effects of natural and anthropogenic perturbations on structure and function.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Of key components of freshwater ecosystems.
• Of relevant theory for physical, chemical and biological processes in freshwater ecosystems.
• Of dominant anthropogenic types of pollution affecting freshwater ecosystems. 

Skills

• Shall be able to differentiate between major types of streams, rivers and lakes.
• Shall be able to understand the exchange of matter between aquatic and terrestrial environments.
• Shall be able to explain lake and river ecosystem dependence on light, temperature, nutrients and organic matter.
• Shall be able to understand primary production, respiration and re-oxidation in freshwater ecosystems.
• Shall be able to determine the significance of hydraulic conditions on chemical and biological dynamics in lakes and rivers.
• Shall be able to analyse oxygen dynamics in freshwater environments.
• Shall be able to analyse impacts of pollution on biotic communities.
• Shall be able to use existing pollution indicators for running waters and lakes to assess the pollution of a given location.
• Shall be able to account for current river and lake restoration methods.

Competences

• Work with and analyse biological communities in relation to nutrient dynamics and organic matter cycling in lake and river ecosystems.
• Describe important organic and inorganic pollutants and pollution effects in freshwater ecosystems.
• Evaluate methods to prevent and alleviate anthropogenic perturbations in freshwater ecosystems using existing technologies.

Type of instruction

Lectures supplemented with project work, workshops, presentation seminars, field and lab work, etc.

Extent and expected workload

The module is 5 ECTS which is corresponding to 150 hours of study.

Exam

Exams